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Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Finally!!

Years ago, we switched to a pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries instead of the smaller stock 12 volt battery for the low voltage system in the trailer. That decision was right for us and the way we use our rig. The down side was that it left room for only one LP tank. With just one tank, keeping track of the amount of gas remaining was important, especially when wandering miles from easy service.

Originally, I replaced the remaining 20 pound tank with a 25 pound fiberglass tank. The fiberglass tank was translucent, allowing you to see the level of liquid gas in the tank. When that tank was recalled, I replaced it with a standard steel 30 lb tank which was approximately the same size as the 25 pound fiberglass tank.

Tanks with float gauges exist, but are very hard (impossible??) to find in a 30 pound version.

The end result is that I've been looking for an accurate way to easily know the level of LP gas in our Scamp's 30 pound tank for years. Pressure gauges don't work but a lot are sold. The old boiling water trick or the boiling water tape are a hassle, especially when the tank is hidden behind a shroud. I've been using a luggage scale, but that means undressing and de-mounting the tank.

A couple years ago some ultrasonic, handheld devices were released but got very mixed reviews. This year I spotted the mention of the TankCheck sensor in a Camping World catalog. Turns out it's available from a variety of sources including Amazon, if they can keep it in stock!

The basic sensor is about 2 x 3 inches and about 3/8 inch thick. The face side has a label and a flush reset switch that is only used when pairing the sensor to a bluetooth device.

The back side of the device has a rubbery sensor pad and a couple rare earth magnets.

Installation is simple! Clean the bottom of the LP tank and then place the sensor in center of the tank bottom. In most cases, the provided rubber feet are added to the tank base is provide some extra clearance, but since my tank mount is totally different, I didn't bother with the rubber feet on the tank.

A free application is available for Android or iPhone. If you don't want to mess with a phone app, a small Double Monitor is available to mount in the RV.

The app correctly reads out in percentage remaining, assuming you remembered to tell it what size tank you are using. The Double Monitor reads out in quarters.

I've had it in place for a month or so now. I don't know how long the battery in the sensor will last, but I LOVE knowing how much gas I have left with no more effort than looking at an app.